President Yudhoyono calls on Indonesians not to be superstitious about earthquakes

The Jakarta Post ^ | April 13, 2005

[Simmy2.5]

JAKARTA (AP): President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday called on Indonesians not to be superstitious about the series of earthquakes hitting the country, saying such disasters could be explained scientifically.

Speaking to participants of a national meeting of the Family Welfare Movement at the State Palace, Yudhoyono said he had received many text messages on his phone requesting him to slaughter at least 1,000 goats as an offering to prevent more natural disasters.

"If I met this extraordinary and unique request, then I would have no time to visit disaster-hit areas across the country or control emergency requests," Yudhoyono said. "We should bring ourselves closer to God and pray not to be given more difficult tests."

He said all the quakes and other natural disasters could be explained scientifically based on the movements of the earth's crust.

"Therefore, don't be superstitious about them," said the retired army general, adding that people should pray to God for deliverance from natural disasters.

Indonesia has seen a series of devastating earthquakes since Dec.26 when a magnitude-9 undersea temblor and tsunami killed at least 126,000 people in Aceh province and abort 48,000 in 10 other countries around the Indian Ocean. (*)

[Simmy2.5]

Indonesia has been hit hard by naturual disaters recently. I wonder what else could be next?

[uglybiker]

He said all the quakes and other natural disasters could be explained scientifically based on the movements of the earth's crust.

Which are caused by the American infidels dropping thousands of bombs in Iraq and not adopting the Kyoto Protocol.

[paudio]

I don't think Indonesians (especially the Javanese) see this in terms of what leftists do, but in terms of their traditional beliefs. A series of Earthquake is seen as a sign from God that something is wrong with the society. To correct the situation, sacrifice needs to be made. Hence, the reference about goat offerings.

[Lekker 1]

Look inside Cheney's medicine cabinet. WTF?

[Luna]

LOL!! That was a great episode. Who wouldn't want to be a human earthquake? And brought to you by the company that sells everything: ACME.

On a more somber note, my thoughts and prayers for Indonesia.

[UCANSEE2]

They shouldn't be superstitious about earthquakes, but they better find a virgin sacrifice quickly or the volcano over there is gonna blow BIGTIME!

[mtbopfuyn]

All bad things come in threes. Oh, never mind, that's superstitious. Ok, let's count 'em up - there was the first earthquake, then a tsunami, now another earthquake. So, he's saying not to believe it'll just stop at three disasters?

[Mark in the Old South]

When they figure out the earthquakes and tidal waves are a result of their treatment of East Timor they may have a chance of figuring out what is wrong. The Catholics of East Timor were praying all the while they were being slaughtered.

Sudan there is still time, you are next.